Winning vs. Losing
Summary
Mankind has the instinct to compete, and have done for three million years. There’s a simple reason. Our bodies are designed to give us a massive “kick” when we’re winning – whether it is getting a job, being top of the class, or winning an Olympic gold, our responses are the same the world over. When we are close to winning, our brain and body works in harmony to make sure victory is sweet.
What is the “full reward” of achieving a victory? The chemical “dopamine” stimulates the pleasure center of our brain, creating a profound sense of well-being. Next, endorphins rush through our body, fighting exhaustion and making us feel euphoric. This is the body’s natural high. Endorphins also block pain, by stopping the sensation reaching our spinal cord or brain. Adrenalin and testosterone then flood through our bloodstream. Now they keep us alert and speed our recovery. This enables us to be primed to take on the world again. Losing, on the other hand, is overwhelming.
Keywords: natural high, winning, losing, endorphins, dopamine, brain, human life, Robert Winston
